He’s made some progress, but admitted today it’s now likely he’ll have to wait until the closing days of the window to conclude his planned business.

“Our main market is England, and the aim is to bring someone in on loan until the end of the season,” he explained.

“I’ve already spoken to a couple of clubs about players I like and they have said that, so long as they can get replacements in, we can do business.

“As usual with this window, that means most of us are waiting for something to start happening elsewhere before we can get the players we want.

“That leaves you facing the choice between taking the risk that things will happen or looking for something else you can do now.

“For us, it looks like waiting is the better option, but this window is just not a good system and it is not something you ever feel comfortable with.”

United are in the process of trying to fix up Swiss teenager Mihael Kovacevic, who impressed on trial last month, but the bid to get the 19-year-old from Slovenian outfit FC Koper will be on the back burner until an experienced attacker has been added.

“If we can get him, he is one who could make an impact soon, but I really see him as part of our building for the future rather than being involved straight away,” explained the gaffer.

Heading out of Tannadice now, or in the summer, will be utility player Stuart Duff. He will not be offered a new contract and has been told if he can find a club now he will be allowed to move on.

However, despite talk from Blackpool they would be making an improved offer for Noel Hunt, nothing has been forthcoming and United remain determined to hang on to their in-form attacker.

The Seasiders had an initial £175,000 offer rejected last week and that was so far short of United’s valuation that they are not expected back.